Where to go for your Laredo driver license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver license services in Laredo. You cannot get a license from the city or county — only from DPS. The main office that serves Laredo is located at 3002 Santa Ursula Avenue, Laredo, TX 78040. This is the only full-service DPS office in Laredo where you can take your written test, vision test, and photo for a new license or renewal.

You can check current wait times and hours on the Texas DPS website before you go. Hours vary by season and staffing, so calling ahead at the Laredo office is worth your time. The office is typically open Monday through Friday, but holiday closures and maintenance days happen without much notice.

If you need to renew by mail or online instead of in person, Texas allows that for some situations — but not for a first-time license or if your license has been suspended. Those require an in-person visit to the Laredo DPS office.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS office at 3002 Santa Ursula Avenue is the only place in Laredo where you can get a new driver license or take a driving test.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — bring originals or certified copies, not photos of documents.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website.
  • A new driver license costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, and the fee is cash or card depending on the office.
  • If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian present, a completed process for a Minor, and proof of enrollment in school or a GED program.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires three categories of proof before DPS will issue a license: identity, residency, and Social Security number. You must bring originals or certified copies — photos of documents on your phone will not be accepted.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a permanent resident card, or a consular report of birth abroad. If you were born outside the U.S., the document must show your name and date of birth clearly.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your name and current Laredo address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you live with someone else, you can use their document plus a signed statement from them saying you live there.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have any of these, you can explore for a replacement Social Security card at the Social Security Administration office in Laredo before you go to DPS.

The written test and what it covers

The Texas written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish at the Laredo DPS office.

The test covers topics like right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies on the road. You can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook, which is available as a PDF on the DPS website or in print at the Laredo office. Many people also use the free practice tests on the DPS website to prepare.

You get one attempt per visit. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts in Texas. Each attempt costs the same as your license fee, so budget for that if you think you might need more than one try.

Vision test and photo requirements

At the Laredo DPS office, you will take a vision screening that checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — the test is done with your correction if you normally use it. If you fail the vision test, you will be told on the spot and can retake it after a short break or on another day.

Your photo will be taken at the office on the day you pass your test. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo will be on your license for four or eight years depending on which you choose. The photo must show your face clearly and cannot include hats, sunglasses, or religious head coverings unless you have a medical or religious reason (you will need to explain this to the officer).

Fees and payment methods

A new driver license in Texas costs $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license. The Laredo DPS office accepts cash and card. If you are renewing an expired license, the fee is the same. If your license was suspended or revoked, you may owe additional reinstatement fees on top of the license fee — ask at the office or check your suspension notice.

If you fail the written test and retake it, you pay the full license fee again for each attempt. There is no partial refund if you pass on your second try. Some people choose the four-year license first to save money, then upgrade to eight years later if they want.

Special rules if you are under 18

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the Laredo DPS office with you. You will also need to bring a completed process for a Minor (Form DL-44), which you can read from the DPS website or pick up at the office. Your parent or guardian must sign this form in front of the DPS officer.

You must also show proof that you are enrolled in school or have passed the GED. Bring a current school ID, a report card, or a GED certificate. If you are homeschooled, bring a letter from your parent on letterhead saying you are enrolled in a homeschool program.

Minors in Texas get a license that expires on their 18th birthday, not four or eight years out. The fee is still $32 or $64 depending on the length you choose, but you will need to renew sooner.

What to expect on the day you visit

Arrive early — the Laredo office can have long waits, especially on Fridays and near the end of the month. Bring all your documents in a folder so you do not lose anything while you wait. The process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour once you are called, but the wait before that can be much longer.

When you are called, a DPS officer will check your documents, ask you questions to verify your identity, and may ask why you are getting a license (new driver, renewal, replacement, etc.). Be honest and direct. Then you will take the vision test, the written test, and have your photo taken if you pass. You will walk out with a temporary paper license that day, and your plastic card will arrive by mail in one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online instead of going to the office?

No. Texas requires you to take the written test in person at a DPS office. You cannot do it online or by mail. The Laredo office is the only place to take it in Laredo.

What if I fail the vision test?

You can retake the vision test the same day after a short break, or you can come back another day. If you fail twice, DPS may require you to get a vision exam from an eye doctor and bring the results before you can try again. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.

How long does it take to get my plastic license card in the mail?

Texas says one to two weeks, but it can take longer during busy periods. You get a temporary paper license at the office that day, which is valid for driving. If your card does not arrive after three weeks, call the Laredo DPS office to check the status.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

The Laredo DPS office takes walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website. An appointment can reduce your wait time, but it does not may provide you will be seen at that exact time.

What if I was born outside the U.S. and do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, a permanent resident card, a military ID, or a consular report of birth abroad instead. If you have none of these, contact the DPS office in Laredo to ask what other documents they will accept — rules can vary for people born in specific countries.